Playing politics
Published:Friday | July 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Following the defeat of the motion to extend the state of emergency by the Opposition members of Parliament on June 20, it begs the question, "Who are those MPs representing?" Themselves, and their lofty holier- than-thou 'principled' position? Or the people of Jamaica who elected them? Did they bother to ask us what we thought? They speak so glibly about our constitutional rights being denied, but would I rather have my rights taken from me, or my life? I'd say, give me my life so I can fight for my rights.
For the first time in decades, I felt safe with an overwhelming sense of relief and respite from the continued bombardment of reports of my fellow Jamaicans being murdered - sometimes 21 in one weekend. I lived daily with the fear of, 'will I be next?'
For the first time, the criminals woke up to the realisation that the state was coming after them. They took Jamaican lives contemp-tuously, in crowded streets and public places, then walked away without fear of being caught.
Clearly, neither the Opposition nor the Government has a comprehensive crime plan to fight this monster, yet the Opposition and others are asking for a plan. If they do have a plan, why don't they share it, or are they willing to play politics with the lives of us Jamaicans who are colour blind, seeing neither green nor orange?
Mind you, I am not advocating for a limited state of emergency indefinitely, nor any abuse of our citizens but please, give the rest of us a chance to life, if only for 30 more days.
I am, etc.,
JACQUELIN DRUMMOND